Slip away to a lakeside oasis at Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina. In partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, Roundhouse Beer Garden is part of the ongoing marina beautification project and is in its second year of operation on Lake Michigan.
Roundhouse Beer Garden is just that, a round building reminiscent of an old boathouse with nautical décor and an airy seaside vibe. Beer garden-goers can marvel at the boats in the next-door marina and sailboats along the horizon while enjoying a fresh Lake Michigan breeze and hip tunes wafting over the outside speakers. Roundhouse also offers outside patio heaters and inside seating with large windows for cooler days.
The beer garden and eatery is owned and operated by Bartolotta Restaurants, well known in the area for its other dining spots like Joey Gerard’s, Bacchus and Lake Park Bistro, among others.
Roundhouse Beer Garden has a light menu of snacks and sandwiches that pairs well with the beer selection and spotlights local businesses as much as possible. Enjoy the sharable Milwaukee Pretzel Company Bavarian Beast, with a choice of sauces including a tangy Moon Man mustard and Merkts Cheese beer dip. Pro-tip: ask for a side of Greek Goddess sauce! Guests can enjoy Milwaukee-based Clock Shadow Creamery cheese curds (fresh and squeaky, not fried), Chips ‘n Dip and a fun snackle box, which a relish tray meets charcuterie board.
Heavier fare includes a variety of sandwiches like a turkey club, caprese sandwich, hot dog and Johnsonville Cheddarwurst with a choice of plain or pretzel bun. Weekend visitors can enjoy a delicious walking lobster made with chopped celery, Old Bay mayo and lemon, served over salt and vinegar kettle chips. Finish off your meal with a Pete’s Pops from the inside cooler. This “cool” Milwaukee company produces unique ice pop flavors like salted watermelon, pineapple jalapeno, or key lime pie, to name a few.
The beer selection rotates often but always features local Wisconsin and Milwaukee breweries like Door County Brewing, Company Brewing, Mob Craft, Hinterland, Third Space and Lakefront Brewery. Roundhouse Beer Garden also sells a useful selection of grab-and-go sundries like sunscreen, ice, 12-packs of beer and first-aid kits, especially helpful for boaters coming in and out of the marina.
Bring the entire family, dogs, kids or cousins…everyone is welcome and there is plenty of space to sit, sip and socialize at this hidden oasis on the lake. Enjoy conversation, read a book or partake in a game of giant Jenga or corn hole, which is provided by the venue. Public parking in the adjacent lot is free.
Roundhouse Beer Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit roundhousemke.com
1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202